Background of the study
X-ray imaging plays a crucial role in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in healthcare facilities worldwide. However, the occurrence of repeated X-ray examinations, known as repeat rejects, can impact patient safety, increase healthcare costs, and result in unnecessary radiation exposure. Thus, analyzing the factors contributing to X-ray repeat rejects is essential for optimizing healthcare delivery.
X-Ray Repeat Rejects: X-ray repeat rejects refer to the instances where a patient undergoes multiple X-ray examinations for the same condition or body part due to technical errors, positioning issues, or inadequate image quality (Raoofi et al., 2019).
Primary Health Care (PHC) Facilities serve as the first point of contact between individuals and the healthcare system, providing essential medical services, including diagnostic imaging such as X-rays (World Health Organization, 2018).
Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State is one of the local government areas in Bauchi State, Nigeria, with its own unique demographic, socio-economic, and healthcare characteristics (National Population Commission, 2019).
The relationship between X-ray repeat rejects and the identified variables can be complex and multifactorial. Factors such as equipment malfunction, inadequate training of personnel, patient positioning errors, and workflow inefficiencies in PHC facilities can contribute to an increased likelihood of repeat rejects (Tingle et al., 2015).
Outdated or poorly maintained X-ray equipment can lead to technical errors and suboptimal image quality, increasing the likelihood of repeat rejects (Damilakis et al., 2017). Insufficient training of radiographers and healthcare staff in positioning techniques, radiation safety, and image interpretation can result in positioning errors and image quality issues (Shah et al., 2018). Improper patient positioning during X-ray examinations can lead to distorted or incomplete images, necessitating repeat imaging to obtain diagnostic-quality images (Alsharif et al., 2020).
Workflow Inefficiencies: Poorly organized workflow processes, long wait times, and communication breakdowns within PHC facilities can contribute to delays in obtaining X-ray results, prompting the need for repeat examinations (Gokalp et al., 2019).
1.2 Statement of the problem
The utilization of X-ray imaging in healthcare facilities plays a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. However, the occurrence of repeat rejects in X-ray procedures poses significant challenges to healthcare providers, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. Despite its importance, there is limited research focusing on the analysis of X-ray repeat rejects, particularly in primary health care (PHC) settings in Nigeria.
Therefore, the primary problem addressed in this research is the lack of comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to X-ray repeat rejects in PHC facilities within Ningi Local Government Area, Bauchi State. This lack of understanding hampers the efficient delivery of healthcare services, leads to increased healthcare costs, and compromises patient outcomes.
Identification of the frequency and distribution of X-ray repeat rejects: There is a need to quantify the prevalence of repeat rejects in X-ray procedures across different PHC facilities in Ningi LGA to assess the extent of the problem.
Examination of the causes of X-ray repeat rejects: Understanding the factors contributing to X-ray repeat rejects is essential for implementing targeted interventions. These factors may include equipment malfunction, operator error, patient-related factors, and environmental conditions.
Evaluation of the impact of X-ray repeat rejects on healthcare delivery: X-ray repeat rejects not only delay the diagnostic process but also increase radiation exposure for patients and healthcare workers. Additionally, they strain limited healthcare resources and may result in patient dissatisfaction.
Assessment of current quality assurance practices: Analyzing existing quality assurance protocols in PHC facilities can provide insights into potential gaps or deficiencies in X-ray imaging procedures, equipment maintenance, and staff training.
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): The frequency of X-ray repeats in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state is low.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The frequency of X-ray repeats in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state is high.
1.6 Significance of the study
It provides valuable insights into the efficiency and quality of radiological services in PHC facilities, aiding in the improvement of healthcare delivery.
Identifying factors contributing to X-ray repeats can help in resource optimization and cost reduction within the healthcare system.
Findings can guide the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the occurrence of X-ray repeats, thereby enhancing patient care and satisfaction.
The study contributes to the body of knowledge on healthcare management and quality improvement in resource-limited settings, particularly in rural areas like Ningi LGA.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the frequency of X-ray repeats in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state, examine the primary reasons for X-ray repeats in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state, and examine strategies are currently employed to minimize X-ray repeats in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state. Hence radiographers in PHC Ningi local government area of bauchi state shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
X-ray repeats: Instances where a patient undergoes multiple X-ray examinations due to technical errors, poor image quality, or other reasons necessitating a re-examination.
PHC (Primary Healthcare): The first level of contact between individuals and the healthcare system, typically providing basic medical care and preventive services.
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